Lincoln Riley reiterates commitment to USC amid questions about his future

Lincoln Riley said he remains committed to USC as questions continue about his future with the program.

CBS Sports published an article about Riley’s outlook at USC on October 28, 2026. In comments described in that report, Riley said he wanted to remain with the Trojans and that his belief in the program had not changed.

Riley also characterized his relationship with USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen as positive. USC identifies Riley as the school’s C. & J. Elerding Head Football Coach.

The discussion came with USC holding a 6-2 record after a loss to Wisconsin. No. 2 Ohio State was scheduled to visit USC the following weekend, giving the Trojans a prominent upcoming matchup.

Riley’s first season at USC ended with 11 wins. He did not reach double-digit wins in the seasons that followed, according to the CBS Sports report.

USC’s staff profile lists Riley with three College Football Playoff appearances and four Big 12 championships. Those achievements are included in the school’s biography of Riley, who is currently identified there as USC’s head football coach.

For now, Riley’s stated position is that he wants to stay at USC and continues to believe in the program. The next scheduled test for the team is the visit from Ohio State.